Women in Business: Suzanne Lantz

Residence: Springdale

Education: B.A., architectural studies, University of Arkansas

Professional background: Since beginning her work with The Stitt Group, an energy-efficient homebuilder, Lantz has designed more than 800 custom passive-solar homes in 17 states, ranging from 564 square feet to over 12,000 square feet. What habits or traits do you feel are most important for leaders to have? I was taught and shown from an early age by my parents that being of service to others is very important and rewarding. “Listening and responding with kindness” over “telling and demanding” are keys for me. My team works the best when we lock arms and walk the path together.

What do you think of the opportunities that exist for women in business compared with when you started? Architecture and residential construction have traditionally been male-dominated fields. In 1976, I was one of five women out of 70 admitted to the [University of Arkansas] School of Architecture — the most women in one class to that date. It makes me proud today to see more women in commercial architecture, residential design and in various capacities at vendors we work with than ever before.

What is the most fulfilling part of your work? I don’t remember ever thinking about my career as work. I have had a special opportunity to be part of a great team focused on making our world a better place for our homeowners, one home at a time. The special relationships I have built with them as we talk about their priorities related to the home where they are going to raise their family, have their grandchildren visit, or where they can age in place with their partner are close to my heart and are a huge part of why I enjoy what I do.

I love the variety of this work, and the challenge of helping our homeowners find the right fit for them — both in their floor plan and financial plan.

The greatest compliment I receive is when I am with one of our homeowners years later, and they can’t wait to exchange hugs and pictures and tell me how much they still love their home and their experience with our company. We have had homeowners come back for additions as their needs change, and their children or their parents come to us for a home of their own. How great is that?

What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? Follow your dreams. Architecture involves both sides of your brain — lots of math and critical thinking — and artistic creativity as you visualize in multiple dimensions. Pick a career that fills you up.

What is something distinctive that people would be surprised to know about you? I have been told that it is unusual for someone to work for the same company their entire career. I am blessed and thankful to have had the opportunity to work with the Stitt family for the past 43 years, starting with Orlo and Mary Stitt and now with their son David Stitt, who is carrying the torch of excellence.

What’s the most recent book you’ve read? “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. I love this quote: “For all of us, becoming indigenous to a place means living as if your children’s future mattered, to take care of the land as if our lives, both material and spiritual, depended on it.”

What do you do to relax when not working? Traveling and taking scenic photographs. My Outback and I love exploring any backcountry road — especially if mud puddles are involved.

Why do you think companies would benefit from having more women at the top? We rock!

Who was a big mentor to you in the early part of your career? Orlo Stitt hired me in 1980 to design passive solar, energy-efficient homes for Stitt Energy Systems Inc. As general contractor, I learned all about the “real world” of residential construction and budgeting. Orlo’s commitment to the environment, innovative methods of building homes “better” — structurally sound, storm resilient, greater comfort every day, lower utility bills and using more sustainable materials — and always placing a major emphasis on satisfying our homeowners is an inspiration to me.She was also integral in the design and implementation of the firm’s Platinum LEED office remodel/addition in 2009.